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GVI’s Guide to the Best Food in Ghana

GVI

Posted: March 23, 2023

Ghana is a country of many cultures, rich history, and vibrant communities, and the cuisine of this amazing nation perfectly reflects its people and culture. From traditional dishes and street food to upscale restaurants, Ghana offers something for everyone, and this guide will show you the best places to go to find truly delicious dishes.

An Overview of Ghanaian Cuisine

Ghanaian cuisine is a beautiful mix of African, Caribbean and West African influences, with a focus on flavourful dishes that rely heavily on the use of both traditional and modern ingredients, such as vegetables, spices, and proteins. Common flavours in Ghanaian cuisine include the use of palm oil and certain spices like ginger and garlic. The main staples of Ghanaian cuisine are rice, yam, and corn-based dishes.

Fish is also popular, especially in coastal areas. Traditional Ghanaian foods generally include sauces or stews made from palm oil, tomatoes, and onions, as well as soups, side dishes, and snacks. Others include Fufu (a mashed potato-like dish), banku (a fermented corn dough), kenkey (fermented corn and cassava dough), and waakye (rice and beans).

Ghanaian cuisine is also known for its use of spices and herbs, such as chili peppers, ginger, and garlic. These spices are used to add flavour to dishes, as well as to provide health benefits. Ghanaian cuisine is also known for its use of traditional cooking methods, such as boiling, steaming, and roasting. This helps to preserve the nutritional value of the ingredients used in the dishes.

Traditional Dishes to Try in Ghana

If you’re looking to experience traditional Ghanaian dishes, then these are some that you should definitely try: Jollof rice (cooked in tomato sauce with spices) or chicken yassa (lightly fried chicken cooked in onion and mustard sauce). Fulani cheese is another traditional dish – sliced hard cheese cooked with herbs and spices. The popular Accra street food kelewele (fried plantains) is also a must-try. Other popular dishes to try include eto (vegetable stew) and abalolɔ (cassava with peanut stew).

Ghanaian cuisine is also known for its variety of soups and stews. Groundnut soup is a popular dish, made with peanuts, tomatoes, onions, and spices. Another popular soup is palava sauce, made with vegetables, fish, and palm oil. Lastly, light soup is a traditional dish made with okra, tomatoes, and spices.

Street Food Options for the Adventurous Eater

Ghana offers a variety of street food options for adventurous eaters! Head to roadside stalls for kenkey – corn dough mixed with cassava and fried with fish. For a light snack, try bofrot (fried dough balls) or red-red (beans with palm oil). Plus, the street markets offer dishes like okra stew, chili fufu (mashed yam with chili sauce), and groundnut stew with rice.

If you’re looking for something sweet, try some of the local desserts like waakye (rice and beans with spices), kokonte (cassava flour balls), or abenkwan (fried plantain). For a refreshing drink, try a glass of mahewu (fermented corn drink) or sobolo (hibiscus tea). No matter what you choose, you’re sure to find something delicious!

Must-Try Restaurants in Ghana

If you’re looking for a more traditional restaurant setting, then check out these must-try places. In Accra, sample some of Ghana’s finest culinary offerings at Oho Hwasa, whose menu spans traditional dishes like jollof rice and eto to more modern fare like ochrou (lamb stew with vegetables) and kontomire stew (spinach stew). For a fine dining experience, Pippys Restaurant offers traditional cuisine with an international twist.

Where to Find the Best Local Dishes

If you’re looking for something truly local, then these places are sure to tantalise your taste buds. Waakye spot is a popular local joint in Accra serving up delicious waakye (rice and beans) served with various accompaniments like boiled eggs, pork, tuna, and more. In Cape Coast, check out Chef Kwaku’s Kitchen for tasty kokonte (yam porridge) and fufu (mashed yam). And don’t miss out on Fufuman in Kumasi for their amazing banku and groundnuts.

Exploring the Flavours of Ghanaian Spices and Ingredients

Ghanaian cuisine relies heavily on spice blends and certain ingredients like palm oil. Ginger, garlic, and chili powder are commonly used in sauces and stews to add flavour. Other popular spices used in Ghanaian cooking include magi cubes (dried fish soup mix), alligator pepper (grains of paradise), nutmeg, and lemongrass. Palm oil can be found in many dishes and it adds a rich and distinct flavour. Other popular ingredients include okra, yams, cowpeas, eggplant, and onions.

Cultural Considerations for Eating Out in Ghana

When eating out in Ghana, there are certain cultural considerations to keep in mind. In general, it’s polite to share food. Also be aware that some restaurants may not serve alcohol or offer separate sections for men and women. Furthermore, it’s wise to be mindful when discussing the prices of items; most restaurants are willing to offer discounts.

Volunteer or intern with GVI in Ghana

We aim to support communities in their efforts to improve the quality of basic education offered at schools, improve the health and wellbeing of all community members, and provide women and girls with the support they need to overcome gender discrimination and become more socially empowered. We also work in local schools supporting curriculum-based education. In your free time, take a walk around a nearby market to try on kente garments, known by the people of Ghana as ‘the cloth of kings’, or browse the bead and jewellery stalls. You can also explore the forts from the colonial era or sample Ghanaian delicacies like freshly roasted plantains, while enjoying the rhythms of local musicians and basking in the sun.

From street food to fine dining establishments, there’s plenty of delicious food options to explore in Ghana. With this guide in hand, you’re sure to find truly amazing dishes wherever you go! Bon appétit!